UK Government’s Response to Climate Change
The UK’s response to Climate Change has varied in its intensity.
During the noughties, the case was made for swift action regarding Climate Change, with substantial progress being made in the UK. Following the global crash, the Government significantly reduced its focus on Climate Change in the face of austerity.
However, the recent science and UN leadership drive has forced the current Government to act faster, but there is much concern that we are not acting with enough urgency to keep Global Warming below 1.5°C.
So, what are the government doing? And how can we understand the difference between promises and policy? Keep reading to see how and why the government’s climate strategy has, and at times hasn’t, led to progressive climate action.
Government Climate Strategy
Although strategies can be legally-binding commitments, it is important to look at how bills are enacted and whether they have developed over time to keep up with the growing urgency of the climate crisis.
Find out more below.
Government Climate Action
Global leaders have been creating climate strategy for longer the might expect, with global drivers introducing bills and Directives as early as the UN’S 2001 targets for renewable energy. However, the UK was the first country to develop a legally-binding strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Find out more below.
Future Projections
The European Green Deal
As part of the European Green Deal, the EU proposed in September 2020 to raise the 2030 greenhouse gas emission reduction target, including emissions and removals, to at least 55% compared to 1990.
It looked at the actions required across all sectors, including increased energy efficiency and renewable energy, and started the process of making detailed proposals by July 2021 to implement and achieve the increased ambition.
The aim is to enable the EU to move towards a climate-neutral economy and implement its commitments.
2030 Climate and Energy Framework
Key EU targets for 2030:
At least 40% cuts in greenhouse gas emissions (from 1990 levels)
At least 32% share for renewable energy
At least 32.5% improvement in energy efficiency
The 40% greenhouse gas target is implemented.
In this way, all sectors will contribute to the achievement of the 40% target by both reducing emissions and increasing removals.
All three pieces of climate legislation will now be updated with a view to implement the proposed at least 55% net greenhouse gas emissions reduction target.